We got a new puppy. He is a beautiful bundle of blond fur with the fleeting sweet puppy breath of a newborn. His dark eyes glow with innocence. I envy his long, curly eyelashes. The dude is adorable. His name is Kona. He follows me around as I do my daily chores. When I am doing the dishes or cooking, he snuggles at my feet. During my writing sessions, he uses my shoes as his pillow. His cuteness makes my heart smile. He is still in the puppy waddle stage. Like many beginnings, an ending came first.
Rewind to last fall. Our female German Shepherd declined rapidly over the brief span of a week, and we made the heart wrenching decision to let her go with some dignity intact. As pet lovers know, this is difficult. Goodbyes suck. We shed many tears. Every corner I turned held memories of our sweet Maia. She was twelve and had been with us through our kids’ junior high and high school years. We are now empty nesters with grandchildren. She was the bridge between the messy, full, bursting at the frame household, to the quiet, relaxing home we have today. Maia was our furry friend through the work at home years of Covid. She provided a reason for our daily walks, and she loved car rides. Her joyful exuberance while fishing with my husband always made me laugh. Without her loyal companionship, our home has been too quiet, too calm, too orderly. It was time to mess it up.
Enter Kona. Travel will be difficult with a pet. I know I will have to pick up poop and make multiple trips outside with him in bad weather. His muddy paw prints will forever mark up my floor and nose prints will smudge my windows. I will trip on his toys and launder countless loads of dog towels after his swimming expeditions off our dock. Vet expenses. Food bills. Lost sleep.
We were created to live a full life. Heartbreak and joy are part of it. Houses are homes because flawed people, messy children, and noisy pets live there. Our imperfections often make the most beautiful memories. Chaos and laughter. Chewed shoes and slobber. Doggy kisses and dog hair. The happy tap, tap, tap of our faithful furry friends following us as we go about our busy days. And the echo of their footprints across our hearts when one ending leads to a new beginning. Welcome to our home, Kona.
What a beautiful picture you paint of life's ups and downs and seasons! All through the love of your furry family. I am so sorry for your great loss but happy for the joys your puppy brings! ❤️
My heart aches for your loss of Maia! I understand having lost our own precious Annie girl last year! We too, are empty nesters and have several pets who entertain us and keep life lively, including chickens, lol! I love your writing and look forward to sharing in your exciting writing journey!! Your blog is a beautiful extension of your writing, a highlight of amazing things to come!
Got to love puppies